10 Interesting Vasco da Gama Facts

Vasco da Gama Facts will make you learn more about the famous explorers in the world. He took the credit as the first European who reached India by sea. Da Gama was from Portugal. He was born circa 1460s and died on December 24, 1524. He was the first Count of Vidigueira. He established the oceanic route between Europe and Asia for his first voyage to India. The West and the Orient was connected through the voyage of Vasco da Gama by exploring the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Check other interesting facts about Vasco da Gama below:

Vasco da Gama Facts 1: the importance of Vasco da Gama’s route

The route of Vasco da Gama was important for it opened up the opportunity for Portugal to form a colonial empire in Asia.

Vasco da Gama Facts 2: the benefit

By travelling with the route established by Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese did not have to travel along the unsafe Arabian Peninsula and the conflicted Mediterranean Sea.

Vasco da Gama Cross

Vasco da Gama Facts 3: the longest ocean voyage

The route was considered as the longest ocean voyage due to the sum of distances that the Portuguese had to follow.

Vasco da Gama Facts 4: Calicut

On 20 May 1498, Vasco da Gama successfully arrived in Calicut. Actually many sailors tried to land on the Indies. However, they had to face the attacks and shipwrecks.

Vasco da Gama Statue

Vasco da Gama Facts 5: the economy of Portuguese empire

The economy of Portuguese empire was improved because of the access to get spices in India was not opposed by others. The previous routes to reach the India were through the West Africa.

Vasco da Gama Facts 6: the spices

Cinnamon and pepper were considered as the major spices taken from Southeast Asia. Get facts about Pablo Neruda here.

Vasco da Gama Route

Vasco da Gama Facts 7: the monopoly

The commercial monopoly on the spice trade was at the hand of Portugal. The monopoly then was challenged by the rise of European powers like Denmark, England, the Netherlands and France.

Vasco da Gama Facts 8: the armadas

There were two armadas under the command of Vasco da Gama to reach India.

Vasco da Gama Facts

Vasco da Gama Facts 9: the Governor of India

In 1524, Vasco da Gama earned the title as the Governor of India due to his contribution. First, he was entitled Viceroy. In 1519, he was called County of Vidigueria. Check facts about Otto Frank here.

Vasco da Gama Facts 10: the history of exploration

In the history of exploration, Vasco da Gama is still a prominent figure. His name is honored and commemorated.